In Greece in 2026, meritocracy is still our national joke. Thousands of pupils stay up late over their books, their families pay for extra tuition and everyone worries about a handful of points.
Meanwhile, a deputy development minister in the New Democracy government resigns following allegations that his daughter was listed as a handball player in name only to secure extra points in the national university entrance examinations.
It seems there are other exams besides the national ones: in whom you know, what connections you have and what favours you can call in.
Merit cannot be compulsory for the many and optional for the few.
One last thought. Children need equal opportunities. They don’t need friends in high places.
Angelos Konstantinidis
